Headhunter appointment boosts Alium capability

Alium Partners, the leading independent provider of high-level interim executives, has appointed experienced headhunter Lisa Gerhardt to help broaden the company’s national and international business reach.

Gerhardt takes up a new role as board-level business development director. Her appointment is backed by 10 years’ senior-level experience at Boyden global executive search and Heidrick & Struggles.

She has been active in the consumer and HR sectors and her track record includes placing directors in international companies including McDonald’s, Alliance Boots and DSGi.

Gerhardt’s experience will boost the expertise mix at Alium.

She said: “I’m very bullish about the interim executive sector. In times of growth there is a need for interims, but now as we are going into these tough times, the need is going to be even greater. Companies might not be willing to go for a permanent hire every time as resources come under pressure.”

Also joining Alium is Laura Lofthouse (nee Liversidge) as head of research and resources.

Her search experience includes working with businesses such as Burger King, PepsiCo, HBOS, Kimberly-Clark and Expedia.

Nick Robeson, chief executive of Alium Partners, said: “Lisa and Laura are joining Alium at a time of substantial growth and their enormous experience and expertise will help us to meet our clients’ broadening demands.”